Streamer Ludwig’s Offbrand Games Brings Rivals of Aether II Open Beta This Weekend

Rivals of Aether II—or Rivals 2 as it is colloquially referred to—is gearing up for its highly anticipated Open Beta this September, but there’s more to this sequel than just upgraded gameplay. Back in June, the game’s publishing was taken over by Ludwig’s Offbrand Games—a move that’s injected fresh energy into the beloved indie fighting series.

Offbrand Games, the company founded by popular streamer Ludwig Ahgren, made headlines not only with the acquisition but also by bringing on Jason “Thor” Hall, better known as PirateSoftware, as Director of Strategy. Thor, a well-known developer and streamer who has seen a surge in popularity over the past two years, is expected to bring his unique expertise to the table, helping to shape the future of Rivals 2 and its growing community.

In the video above, Ludwig clears up some confusion surrounding the game’s title—something that even caught me off guard. Initially, the game was referred to as Rivals 2, a subtle nod to it being a sequel to Rivals of Aether. However, with the upcoming release of Marvel Rivals, a potential legal clash seemed inevitable. So Offbrand opted to change the game’s title to avoid that. As Ludwig candidly admits,

“We’re just not gonna win the fight.”

With Thor leading strategy and Offbrand Games at the helm, Rivals of Aether II has continued to evolve. The game’s upcoming Open Beta from 27–29 September will give players a chance to see these changes firsthand. The sequel takes the beloved mechanics of the original and ups the ante with 3D models, improved visuals, and new gameplay elements like shields and grabs.

Players who want to get involved can sign up through Steam, with the full release scheduled for 23 October. So if you’re tired of playing Super Smash Bros. and are looking for a new scratch for that platform-fighting itch, maybe check it out because under the new guidance of Offbrand Games, Rivals 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases in the fighting game scene this year.